Parents of students at Alliance Girls High School are demanding refunds after a government probe uncovered an illegal fee increment that saw charges more than double beyond the approved limits.
The Ministry of Education has recommended disciplinary action against the school’s principal, Margaret Njeru, following an investigative assessment conducted on April 28, 2026. The findings, communicated to the Teachers Service Commission (TSC), revealed that the school implemented an unauthorized fee structure without the required approvals.
According to the report, parents were charged up to Ksh 120,179, far above the officially sanctioned Ksh 53,558. The difference, amounting to over Ksh 66,000 per student, has sparked outrage among parents who say they were blindsided by the steep and unexplained increase.
The Ministry noted that the fee adjustment was made without approval from the Cabinet Secretary, making it unlawful and in direct violation of the Basic Education Act, 2013. The report further states that the move placed an excessive financial burden on parents and guardians.
In addition to the illegal fee structure, investigators flagged concerns over the school’s budgeting, indicating that the principal oversaw the adoption of a financial plan that included non-essential and unrealistic expenditure items.
Parents have since voiced frustration, with many questioning whether they will be refunded the excess amounts paid. Some families say they were forced to take loans or divert funds meant for other needs to meet the unexpected school fees.
The Ministry has now urged the TSC to take appropriate disciplinary action against the principal for failing to comply with established laws and government directives. The recommendation signals a growing push by authorities to rein in schools imposing unauthorized levies.
The case has reignited national concern over the rising trend of illegal school fees, with stakeholders calling for stricter oversight to protect parents from exploitation.
As pressure mounts, attention now turns to whether affected parents will receive refunds and what action will ultimately be taken against those responsible for the irregular charges.
